06 Jun 2025
I booked a private snorkel tour with EcoTours Vallarta for myself and my two young kids (ages 7 and 8), and I honestly can’t say enough good things about the experience. From the very first phone call, the team was accommodating, flexible, and incredibly kind. I explained our situation—first-time snorkelers, not the strongest swimmers, and two easily overwhelmed kids—and they immediately made it clear they could create something safe, manageable, and special for us.
They absolutely delivered.
Our guide, Margarita, was extraordinary. Calm, patient, encouraging, and endlessly kind with my kids (who were… not easy!). They had never snorkeled before, and she handled every little panic, fogged mask, gear adjustment, and mid-ocean meltdown with complete grace and professionalism. She had this amazing ability to make them feel safe and capable without any pressure. She also happens to be a skilled diver, a knowledgeable marine biologist, and just an overall exceptional human being.
We also had an excellent captain, Martín, who navigated smoothly and helped with gear and logistics behind the scenes, making the whole experience feel seamless and safe.
The tour itself was gorgeous—we snorkeled at Los Arcos and saw a wide variety of fish, including pufferfish, a moray eel, and a beautiful spotted ray. The timing was perfect, the spots were uncrowded, and the boat was clean, shaded, and very comfortable.
This trip completely exceeded my expectations. It was easily the highlight of our week in Puerto Vallarta, and I’ll be recommending EcoTours (and especially Margarita and Martín!) to anyone traveling with kids—or anyone who wants a thoughtful, well-run, truly memorable marine experience.